Criminal Defense Articles

Skipping a court date in Arizona is not a mistake to be taken lightly. The penalties extend beyond the original charges and can affect your freedom, finances, and future. The first step is to understand the seriousness of Failure to Appear charges and bench warrants.

When individuals in Arizona suddenly face criminal charges or arrest warrants, it's often unexpected and can be incredibly stressful. Not knowing about a warrant until the police arrive adds to the confusion and fear.

Receiving a DUI charge in Arizona is a significant event, as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is treated as a serious crime with severe penalties. These penalties can range from automatic revocation of driving privileges, fines, jail time, and more, escalating based on the level of intoxication and the number of prior convictions.

Once you've hired a criminal defense attorney in Arizona, there are several important steps you should take to ensure the best possible outcome for your case.

Engaging a private DUI (Driving Under the Influence) attorney involves an upfront financial commitment. However, the potential advantages often justify the expenditure, especially when considering the significant repercussions of a DUI conviction, such as hefty fines, possible incarceration, suspension of driving rights, raised insurance premiums, and the potential effects on your job prospects.

When legal troubles arise, you're faced with a choice: enlist a court-appointed public defender or hire a private attorney. This decision prompts the question: who will represent you better?

You've done your research and figured out that going with a private attorney instead of a public defender will give you a better shot at your case. You're ready to make that investment in your future, but you're probably asking yourself how to cover the attorney's fees.

In Arizona, you can be charged with a DUI even if you are not driving. The Arizona Supreme Court has said that every case must be looked at on a case-by-case basis to determine if someone was physically controlling a car.

Going to court can be scary and overwhelming, especially if it's your first time. I often forget that most people don't go to criminal court very often, and many others have never been to a criminal court.

Here is a common scenario: Someone charged with a crime goes to court for their arraignment, and they meet with a prosecutor who offers them a plea deal to resolve the case. The person may want to take the deal because they want the matter resolved as soon as possible.

Many people wonder what they should do if they have a court date while we are in the middle of the COVID-19 health crisis. People wonder if they should still go because they are worried about getting a warrant for not going.

Choosing the right lawyer is a critical decision if you or a loved one gets charged with a domestic violence designated crime in Arizona. Your freedom, ability to work, own weapons, and other rights may be at stake.

When receiving a DUI in the state of Arizona, a conviction is reliant on proof that you were driving the vehicle while you were under the influence. There is a gray area which is called “No Physical Control”.

Under Arizona’s laws, misdemeanors are crimes punishable by up to six months in county or local jail. More serious crimes, called felonies, are punishable by state prison terms of one year or more. For more information on felonies in Arizona, see Arizona Felony Crimes by Class and Sentences. Misdemeanors in Arizona may be designated as Class 1, 2, or 3. If lawmakers fail to designate a misdemeanor, then it is punishable as a class 2 misdemeanor. (Ariz. Rev. Stat. §§ 13-601, 13-602.)‍

In Arizona, felonies are crimes punishable by terms of one year or more in state prison. Less serious crimes, called misdemeanors, are punishable by up to six months in local or county jail. For more information on misdemeanors in Arizona, see Arizona Misdemeanor Crimes by Class and Sentences. Felonies in Arizona may be classified as Class 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6. (Ariz. Rev. Stat. §§ 13-601, 13-602.)

Although misdemeanor charges are generally less severe than felony charges, they still can include jail time and court fees. Based on the criminal charge, there could also be additional fees added onto the conviction.

Getting charged with Domestic Violence in Arizona can be a very overwhelming experience. You could be facing significant penalties and potential jail time. If you have been charged with Domestic Violence, this does not mean your fight is over. Below are some ways your attorney can help you reduce or get your potential Domestic Violence charge dismissed. 

Getting a DUI in Arizona can be a very overwhelming experience. You could be facing significant fines, potential jail time, the loss or suspension of license and having a breathalyzer installed in your vehicle. If you have received a DUI, this does not mean your fight is over. Below are some ways your attorney can help you reduce or get your potential DUI charge dismissed.